Recreational harvest of shallow water grouper in Atlantic state waters, including all of Monroe County, will close on January 1st, 2025, marking the start of the annual spawning season closure.
This closure aims to protect vulnerable grouper species during their critical reproductive period. The shallow water grouper complex includes popular species like black grouper, gag grouper, yellowfin grouper, scamp, red grouper, and several others.
The closure will remain in effect until May 1st, 2025, when recreational harvest for shallow water grouper will reopen in Atlantic state waters.
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The FWC is actively involved in collecting recreational fishing data to inform the management of reef fish, including gag grouper. The State Reef Fish Survey provides valuable information about stock health and helps guide conservation efforts.
Anglers and spearfishers who plan to target certain reef fish species from a private vessel in Florida are required to sign up as a State Reef Fish Angler.
This designation helps the FWC gather essential data for effective fisheries management.
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